Lee is an expert in the humor, joys and frustrations of working at small town radio in the period when analog systems were being replaced by automation.
Looking for a guest who can take your listeners behind the scenes of small-market radio in the early 90s — the days of skipping records, quirky small-town programming, and the first wave of automation? Laura Lee, author of Saturn’s Favorite Music, brings a unique perspective as a former DJ, program director, and commercial copywriter. (And current author and ballet master class producer.) Her novel blends nostalgia for live, local radio with a timely theme: what happens when imperfect, messy human creativity collides with automation and technology.
After earning a bachelor's degree in theater, Lee attended the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts and worked as an intern at alternative rock station 89X in Windsor, Canada. She went on to work at three radio stations in three different markets with formats including Adult Contemporary, AC Gold and Country. Her on and off air roles included morning drive, middays, afternoon drive, commercial copywriter and program director. This was the period in which radio was going from analog to automation and she worked at two different stations that transitioned to two separate early (buggy) automation systems. None of the stations where she was on the air exist any more, but she is fairly certain that is not her fault.
After leaving radio, she went on to be the author of 22 books including The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation, which sold more than 89,000 copies. She now divides her time between writing and producing and traveling on nationwide ballet master class tours.
Lee will bring your listeners entertaining, behind-the-scenes stories from the quirky world of 90s small-market radio, along with a fresh perspective on how those early days of automation mirror today’s debates about AI and creativity. Listeners will laugh, reminisce about the music and culture of the era, and come away with a deeper appreciation for the imperfect, human side of radio and storytelling.
Interview Laura Lee, Expert 1990s Radio Host and Author to discuss...
The wild, weird world of 90s radio — including lost farm animal reports and radio obituaries.
How corporate automation changed the industry (and what that says about today’s rise of AI).
The role of nostalgia, music, and pop culture in shaping our personal histories.
Why the “perfect” broadcast isn’t always the most memorable — and how embracing imperfection makes radio, and life, more meaningful.
The creative process of turning lived experience into fiction.
Laura Lee Guest Expert Interview Credentials
Laura Lee is the author of Saturn's Favorite Music, a novel set in the world of 1990s small market radio.
She is the author of more than 20 books including biography, humorous reference, fiction, and children's literature.
The Metro Detroit native brings a unique background to her work.
She holds a degree in theater and worked as a professional mime, improvisational comic, and radio announcer before becoming a full time writer.
She now divides her time between writing and producing (and traveling on) ballet master class tours.
The San Francisco Chronicle has said of her work, “Lee’s dry, humorous tone makes her a charming companion… She has a penchant for wordplay that is irresistible.”
Guest Expert Availability
By telephone and video call from Detroit, Eastern Time Zone
In person in Detroit
Social Media Promotions
How this expert can help promote your show:
Laura Lee posts her interviews and events on her web page https://www.lauraleeauthor.com/, on the Saturn's Favorite Music Facebook page and on Bluesky and Twitter.
Guest Expert Interview Booking Contact
Laura Lee
https://www.lauraleeauthor.com
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